3.73/2.93-videos

[BADCLOWN]

trying to decide on the last major piece for the car and im having trouble finding decent videos showing the cruising differences and gearing between the two in a m50/52 with a ZF


anybody have any pointers or links?


im not doing any tracking of the car or super aggressive driving. a longer gear is definitely preferred and my 4.10 obviously needs to go

[scottinAZ]

Having had both, I prefer the 2.93, but mine is a DD.

cruising speed is about 80mph, at just under 3500 with the 2.93, with the 3.73 it was about 4200+

[BADCLOWN]

That seems to be what I'm looking more for (2.93)

[Mako18]

Having just swapped my 3.73 for a 2.93 I will agree this is the best choice. The 3.73 had a bit better accel but the change is worth it imo I love the 2.93 the engine doesn't feel stressed in 55mph+ traffic.

BTW i have a m50b25tu getrag 250 with jb racing flywheel, ss rep headers, intake, and nitrous for the days i feel like picking on the unsuspecting... I do want to go back to the 260 or maybe a zf though I dont enjoy the zf's feel. soon as the 250 dies ill switch.

[ACHTUNG]

I have a S52 with a ZF and a 3.07 diff. I'm around 3400RPM at 80MPH. I'll see if I can get some cruising vids shortly...

If it's a daily I would go with the 2.93 for sure.

[BADCLOWN]

its not a daily persay, as ive got a 330i ZHP that i drive everyday now but as soon as this car is done the zhp will be taking a backseat.


id love to see some video of how your car drives if you get the opportunity.

[ACHTUNG]

id love to see some video of how your car drives if you get the opportunity.

It's going to snow here today and over the weekend so I won't be driving the car. Once the roads are clear I'll take it for a rip and record some video.

[BADCLOWN]

It's going to snow here today and over the weekend so I won't be driving the car. Once the roads are clear I'll take it for a rip and record some video.

understandable. much appreciated sir

[Mr.SWISS]

Meh I rock the OG 3.73LSD car came with. Sure 70 is 3500 but it's right in the power band so downshifting is no longer required. City cruising 5th is fantastic with the torque on demand. 20mph to 45 in seconds, no downshifting FTMFW. If I could I would go with a 3.46 optimally. The 3.25 LSD can be had out of e28 535is auto cars.

[lbreevesii]

Check this out - Speed calculator. You can change the gearing numbers as needed, diff, tire sizes, etc.

http://www.gafiero.org/speedcalc.shtml

[mentaleeill]

having had the zf with the 3.73, 3.25, and 2.93, i prefer the 3.25. the 2.93 is more economical as far as fuel mileage is concerned, but the 3.25 is only slightly worse and keeps you closer to the powerband. 3.73 imho, sucked on the highway for dd.

[etxxz]

with a ZF you want to stay longer than 3.25 IMHO. 3.25 is fantastic all around. 2.93 will feel the same as a 3.73 on the e30 getrag. 3.25 is nearly the same as a 4.10 with the e30 getrag.

shorter than 3.25 is dumb. seriously. there's a point where you are slower just because you have to shift so much more.

i had a 4.10 when i first swapped my s52.. lol taking off in 3rd gear like it was first with all the added torque. second i could spin at 1500rpm. first was useless. 3.73 won't be much different.

[Wanganstyle]

with a ZF you want to stay longer than 3.25 IMHO. 3.25 is fantastic all around. 2.93 will feel the same as a 3.73 on the e30 getrag. 3.25 is nearly the same as a 4.10 with the e30 getrag.

shorter than 3.25 is dumb. seriously. there's a point where you are slower just because you have to shift so much more.

i had a 4.10 when i first swapped my s52.. lol taking off in 3rd gear like it was first with all the added torque. second i could spin at 1500rpm. first was useless. 3.73 won't be much different.

yupz. 3.07 is about spot on, 2.93 is dd. 3.15 is sport bump #1, 3.23 step up #2.

to reference a E36M3 comes from the factory with either a 3.15 or 3.23, and a bigger tire diameter than OEM E30.
e36 328i comes with a M52b28+zf5+2.93 from bmw. This is the daily driver choice out of the bunch of ZF5 cars. MPG matters when talking "DD"

if you want 3.38, 3.46, 3.64, 3.73 or ++++ you need a 6 speed gearbox. I am actually running a 6 speed +3.15, it is relaxed on the fwy and quick around town when I want to rip it.


ZF 5 speeds do not have overdrive, this is a noted issue for those who DD the car but also want brisk gearing

[sticksdaman]

I have the exact setup as OP on my daily.

3.73 was a nightmare behind the zf, way too much shifting to be enjoyable in regular doses.

The 2.93 has a bit less grunt, but the tradeoff is you get to stay in gear longer and can actually enjoy the vanos and highway cruising.

With the 3.73 it felt like I was always grabbing for the next gear.

[ACHTUNG]

Here's a shitty vid of my gauges. I had to hold the camcorder while driving so it's a bit shaky and I couldn't accelerate hard. You can see I'm just under 35K RPM at 80MPH.

S52/ZF Trans/3.07 Torsen diff.

"That's...that's cruzin' right there." Ha ha!